Epiphany: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Epiphany (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Epiphany is observed on January 6th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Epiphany, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you might want to know about Epiphany.

📅 What day is Epiphany 2024?

In 2024, Epiphany is on Friday, January 6th. It is the 1st Friday in January; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about January 6, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Don’t assume that Christmas is over just yet! The Epiphany, which falls on January 6, marks the last festive day of the Christian holiday season. While many individuals start packing away their Christmas decorations after New Year’s, devout Christians continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ for another week. This special day is often associated with the arrival of the Three Wise Men at the manger and has been referred to by various names across different historical periods and cultures.

📜 Epiphany History

In the Eastern Roman Empire, Christmas was celebrated on January 6th starting from the fourth century. However, in the West, Christmas was celebrated on December 25th. This is why the Feast of the Epiphany is sometimes called Old Christmas. Over time, different civilizations have developed their own names and customs to commemorate this day. For example, Scandinavians observe Little Christmas Eve on December 23rd, while in Spain, children receive their gifts on January 6th to remember the Three Wise Men. In Ireland, Little Christmas is also known as Women’s Christmas, where men take on household tasks. Various rituals such as singing, blessing the house, eating a three-kings cake, attending church, and even winter swimming are common on this day. Some Christians remove their Christmas decorations on Epiphany Eve, while others wait until Candlemas, the end of Epiphanytide. According to the original custom, those who forget to take down their Christmas decorations on Epiphany Eve must keep them up until Candlemas.

✅ Epiphany Facts

🔖 The three astrologers
According to beliefs, the wise men were more inclined towards astrology rather than being rulers. The term “magi” originated from “magus,” which refers to a priestly group in ancient Persia who held a strong fascination for celestial bodies.

🔖 The rule of threes
The Bible does not specify the exact number of intelligent men who visited, only referring to them as “wise men from the east.” However, due to the mention of three gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – many people have assumed that there were three of them.

🔖 Where it’s from
The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek term “epiphainein,” which signifies revealing, showing, or illuminating something.

👍 Why Is Epiphany Important

Eastern Christianity, also known as “Old Christmas,” originally celebrated Christmas on January 6.

Who doesn’t appreciate a little extra eggnog, TV specials, and holiday cheer?

It’s not just about receiving gifts; it’s also a great excuse to experience the joy of giving one to someone else.

🙂 How To Observe Epiphany

⚡ Take down your lights

⚡ Go caroling
Certainly! Even after Christmas is over, you can continue to enjoy the tradition of caroling. There are numerous songs to choose from, allowing you to sing your heart out to your heart’s content.

⚡ Give gifts
Many Christians see the Feast of the Epiphany as the last holiday of the Christmas season and take down their Christmas decorations on this day.

📅 When is Epiphany?

You can view all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Catholic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Epiphany. So be sure to check back soon.